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Corten Metal Gateway Emphasizes Geological Narratives in Visitor Shelter

Author:
Shiva Keyvanfar
Corten Metal Gateway Emphasizes Geological Narratives in Visitor Shelter
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Corten metal panels engraved with tectonic illustrations create a compelling entrance that connects visitors to the geological narratives of the Grjotagja area, providing a unique shelter for exploration and reflection amidst the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten metal panels are engraved with tectonic illustrations, creating a unique entrance that emphasizes geological narratives.
02
A wooden bridge inside the Karlagja cave facilitates one-way circulation, enhancing the visitor experience through the cave.
03
The shelter features large windows that frame views of the natural landscape, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
04
Alaskan Lupin flowers line the approach to the building, adding a natural touch and enhancing the visitor journey.
05
Information stands made from weathered steel provide educational resources about the tectonic divide and local geology.

The project located in the Grjotagja area within Vogar farmland serves as a shelter for tourists, designed to blend with the surrounding natural landscape. It enhances the visitor experience while encouraging exploration of the region's unique geological features. The overall design concept focuses on simplicity and preserving nature, inviting visitors to discover the area's natural secrets during their journey.

Entrance and Engagement

As visitors approach, they encounter a pathway lined with Alaskan Lupin flowers that leads to the building's entrance. The façade includes two corten metal panels, each featuring engravings that illustrate the tectonic plates of Europe and North America. This design element acts as a welcoming entry point and connects visitors with the geological stories of the area, encouraging curiosity and exploration of the environment.

Interior Experience

Inside, the design creates an intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the exterior. Visitors have the opportunity to sit and enjoy refreshments while taking in the view of how natural rock formations interact with the interior space. This connection to nature is emphasized, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings and experience the landscape from a different perspective.

Circulation and Vistas

A prominent aspect of the design is the central stair path that guides visitors to a viewing platform. From this elevated position, they can witness the sunset as it casts vibrant colors across the horizon. This scene serves to highlight the focus on geological unity, representing the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, a key feature of the area's identity.

Information and Functionality

Functional elements are incorporated into the design, such as information stands made from weathered steel panels. These stands provide resources about the caves and the tectonic divide, enriching the visitor experience with important context. Service areas, including restrooms and storage, are strategically located to ensure visitor comfort while preserving the natural integrity of the site.

The interior features carefully placed seating areas that encourage reflection. Large windows frame views of the beautiful landscape, allowing the natural environment to become part of the space, creating a strong connection between inside and outside.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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